How to Change Your Google Background

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 29, 2025 Tested

Are you trying to change your Google background so it isn't plain white or grey? Changing this is easy whether you're changing the Google homepage background image or setting up colors and themes in your Chrome browser. This wikiHow article teaches you how to change your Google background and colors using the desktop version of Chrome. Keep in mind that if you're using Chrome on a work or school computer or iPad, you may not be able to change the background image or theme due to administrator restrictions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Changing the Google Homepage Background in Chrome

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1
Open
Google Chrome. Click or double-click the Chrome app icon, which resembles a red, yellow, green, and blue ball.
- If you haven't updated Chrome to the latest version, click ⋮ in the upper-right corner, select Help, click About Google Chrome, click Update, and click Relaunch when prompted before proceeding.
- This won't work on the mobile version of the web browser.
If Google Chrome doesn't open to the New Tab page, click the ＋ icon to the right of the right-most tab at the top of the Chrome window to open a blank new tab.

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You'll see this pencil icon in the bottom-right corner of the page that might say "Customize Chrome." Doing so prompts a sidebar at right.
It's near the top of sidebar. You'll see the different options you can select for your background including Upload an image, Solid colors, and various categories of pictures.
5
Make a selection. If you opt to upload an image, you'll need to use your file manager (File Explorer or Finder) to select it.
- If you click on a category, you can click again on a picture to use it. If you like all the pictures in that category, click the switch next to Refresh daily to see a new background picture daily.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Setting Colors and Themes for Chrome

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1
Open
Google Chrome. Click or double-click the Chrome app icon, which resembles a red, yellow, green, and blue ball.
- If you haven't updated Chrome to the latest version, click ⋮ in the upper-right corner, select Help, click About Google Chrome, click Update, and click Relaunch when prompted before proceeding.
- You can't do this using a mobile phone or tablet. Use a desktop computer to continue.
If Google Chrome doesn't open to the New Tab page, click the ＋ icon to the right of the right-most tab at the top of the Chrome window to open a blank new tab.
You'll see this pencil icon in the bottom-right corner of the page that might say "Customize Chrome." Doing so prompts a sidebar at the right.
4
Click to select a color scheme. You'll see your browser header and tabs change to reflect the new color scheme.
- If your desktop is synced to your mobile device, you should also see changes there.

Community Q&A

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Question

I don't know why, but the settings button in the bottom right corner doesn't appear anymore. It was there a few days ago. What do I do now?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, Google has removed the feature and now you can only get themes from the official Google store.

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Question

How do I change my Google Images background?

Community Answer

I'm sorry, but you cannot change your Google Images background, only your main Google search background from the Chrome Web Store.

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Question

On Chrome OS, I select a pic and click Done, but it doesn't do anything. The button moves as if I clicked it, but nothing happens. Any advice?

Community Answer

You may want to quit Google Chrome and then open it again. The file sometimes will not be visible until Google Chrome is restarted.

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